The students of J.W. Mitchell High has their own personal paparazzi in the form of one of their esteemed teachers.

   At J.W. Mitchell, a teacher, has become the students’ very own photographer. Making appearances at events like Homecoming, Prom, Friday Night Lights (Football games), and other school sporting events. 

   Steven Burnes (FAC) is currently a faculty member in his 20th year of teaching, beginning his teaching career in 2004. He is one of the Psychology teachers, currently teaching only the AP program. 

   “After graduating college with my psychology degree, I briefly thought about a career in photojournalism, but my passion for psychology was just too strong, so I continued to pursue opportunities related to that field,” Burnes.

   He first picked up his hobby of photography when he was in college.

   “I picked up my first camera in 1997 during my freshman year in college. I was looking for a hobby that would allow me to get out and experience the world.”

   Now, years later, he is still passionate about photography and continues to apply that in a different environment. Burnes also has a daughter enrolled in the school, Rhyan Burnes (’25). He says that she has a large influence on him becoming the students’ trusty photographer. 

   “It wasn’t until recently that I started taking pictures of school events. My daughter joined the yearbook staff here at Mitchell and started taking pictures. Watching her interest in photography grow stronger during her freshman year, reminded me of how much I enjoyed taking pictures when I was in college, so we started going to Mitchell games together and taking pictures on the sidelines. Students and faculty alike started to compliment my work, so I became more engaged in taking photos for students and their families,” Burnes said. 

   Burnes is continuously involved in the school’s events and the students within it. He has an Instagram, @sbphotos.art, where he posts plenty of action and portrait shots of many students involved in school activities and sports. Including pictures of sports ranging from Basketball, Football, Soccer, Wrestling, Lacrosse, and Hockey; girls and boys, JV and Varsity alike. However, he does detail which sporting events he likes to do the most.

   “I really enjoy photographing high school football games. Between the players, the coaches, the band, the cheerleaders, and the Stang Gang, there is no shortage of people to photograph,” Burnes said.

   From Friday Night Lights to Prom, Mr. Burnes can be seen with his camera interacting with students and staff alike, even taking photos with students on their personal phones. He details how it is a different experience for him to see his students outside of the classroom.

   “I enjoy getting to know my students in the classroom but seeing them excel in their extracurricular sports and activities brings me great joy. It adds a whole new dimension to their personalities as they pursue a passion beyond academics, and I try to capture memories that they will be able to cherish when they are older and look back at their time in high school. Ultimately, I hope that my photography provides them with a sense of accomplishment that they will want to share for all to see,” Burnes said.

   Burnes keeps his Instagram updated with upcoming events and services he can provide with his photography, including a senior portraits package. Seniors can book now by going on his instagram, @sbphotos.art and contacting him to set up an appointment. Ask any student to know how his photography is valued within this school, making Mr. Burnes the students’ very own paparazzi.